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British Airways Revives Jamaican Tourism with New Flight Route to Montego Bay

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The announcement that British Airways will resume direct flights from London Gatwick to Montego Bay in Jamaica, starting October 13, 2020, has brought a much-needed boost to the island's tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision, coupled with the exemption from the 14-day quarantine period and FCO advice against non-essential travel, presents an ideal opportunity for British tourists to visit the Caribbean island, whose economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with one in ten workers directly employed in the sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • British Airways will operate three-cabin B777 flights between London Gatwick and Montego Bay on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with prices starting from £427 return.
  • The new route comes as a significant relief to the Jamaican tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with British Airways' previous route to Kingston, Jamaica having been a major source of visitors for the island.
  • The decision also offers a ray of hope for local businesses, such as car rental companies, which have been severely affected by the pandemic, with Jamaica Tourist Board's director of tourism, Donovan White, expressing delight at the announcement.
  • Simon Foster, UK deputy managing director of Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd, a tour operator for Sandals and Beaches, welcomed the news, highlighting the significance of the route for their business and Jamaica as a destination.
  • Nicholas Brown, founder and owner of Reggae Car Rentals, is optimistic about the new flight route, stating that it will help jump-start the tourism sector and increase demand for his car rentals.

Statistics:

  • 225,000 Britons visit Jamaica each year.
  • 1 in 10 workers in Jamaica are directly employed in the tourism industry.
  • British Airways' new flights will depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays and will operate three-cabin B777 aircraft.
  • Prices for the return flights start from £427.

Sources:

  • Kaye Holland, British Airways has handed Jamaica's beleaguered tourism industry a major boost with its decision to launch a new route between London Gatwick and Montego Bay, the Caribbean island's tourist capital, from October 13, 2020.
  • The Jamaica Tourist Board's director of tourism, Donovan White.
  • Simon Foster, UK deputy managing director of Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd.
  • Nicholas Brown, founder and owner of Reggae Car Rentals.

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